A BUSINESS in the Malvern area was recently extorted of out a sum of R22 600 by a tar paving company, according to a statement issued by the Malvern SAPS.
“The businessman responded to a placard advertisement on a pole. These placards are a common feature and are appearing in increasing numbers on light-poles in most suburbs,” W/O Radhika Marimuthu stated. She further noted that these placards, in most cases, are put up without the authority of the eThekwini Municipality and that the people putting them up have either not followed procedure, paid a fee or complied with the rules of the municipality.
In this particular case, the businessman was quoted a sum of R40 000 to tar his business premises by the tarring company. A sum of R5 000 was initially paid for use of the Bobcat machine, a further payment of R16 600 was made for tar and R1 000 for rubble removal.
However, the tarring company failed to deliver the amount of tar that was paid for. “The tar was not laid and the scamsters absconded. Their workers were left on the scene, which is allegedly also part of the scam. The workers then negotiated with the businessman to lay the tar at a certain price, knowing that the tar was hardening,” W/O Marimuthu added.
The businessman agreed to it because of the money already invested in the delivered tar. A case of fraud was registered. Residents are to be on their guard to not fall prey to these scamsters. “Avoid entering contracts with businesses advertised in this manner and where firm references are not given. It will be wiser to ask to see a past job done and speak to the people who it was done for before contemplating using that service. Do not give all money upfront – rather ask to pay a service provider directly for material that has to be used. It is more prudent to pay the outstanding balance once the job is completed,” she advised.
